Saturday, 10 September 2011

Today we have photographic proof that DQ's do jump. I think Karen thought I was joking when I told her she was going to be riding Brennan in a flatseat today. Joking I was not, haha! I am so bummed that the first photo today ended up being a little out of focus but I am sure there will be other jumping pix to come so it is not the end of the world. Karen did a fabulous job today, especially considering that it has been about 17 years since she last jumped (don't you dare tell her I told you that tho!!).

Brennan also tried a new bit today, a Myler, but he told Karen, in no uncertain terms, that he did not like it, so he went back into the Neule Schule. It's a little big but he is happy in it so, until we can find one in his size, it will have to do.

Today was more dressage schooling followed by by a bit of zoom zoom over poles. Brennan was feeling quite 'well' today and, for the first time ever, nearly unseated Karen when he kicked up his heels at one point. I didn't laugh, honest, well not much anyway. I also didn't get a photo of it, darn!

Friday, 9 September 2011

The season is ramping up now - woohoo! We have a measuring day to take Brennan to next weekend and then a cross country practice weekend the weekend after. I have asked Kim if she will come over and take Brennan for a spin over the intro jumps at the Solway Showgrounds and she has said she would love to so he's going to get his first taste of XC. Karen and I will take him down on the Sunday so he gets a double whammy. Can't wait! I brought him in for another session on the lunge this morning and included a few trot poles and some barrels - He ate it all up and was very enthusiastic. This bodes well. Here are some photos and the video:

Sunday, 4 September 2011

The weather has been kind to us this weekend and Karen and Brennan have a couple of good rides under their belts. You will notice from the photos that his mane is getting shorter - I have been brave and agreed to having it pulled so we can present a more workman-like and professional picture. Now I have done it, I am very pleased but it was actually quite a hard decision - I did love that mane. The fetlocks and tail stay though!!

Saturday was lateral work and an introduction to trot poles and Brennan was on form - he's learning and retaining everything and doing everything that is asked of him which is all that we can ask. Now I need to get some decent jumps and poles!

Today the local dressage group was running a rally alongside the show jumping group who had a practice day so Brennan had a double whammy to contend with. It was the first time he has seen show jumps and horses jumping over them and he was absolutely transfixed. In fact he left a considerable portion of his brain back in the yards and was lacking a little focus but it was a good outing - next outing may be a xc practice day. Now he is going to just LOVE that!!